Yes, that’s right, the newly acquired Abiatal Avelino is in the lineup. Here’s a video of him as a minor leaguer hitting a triple:
His new team is tied for ninth in MLB in triples hit (28) this season and have hit 5 over the last 11 games. They, uh... they still haven’t registered a victory in the month of September, however.
This still isn’t the worst start to a month in recent history. The 2015 team started that July 0-6 to conclude a 7-game losing streak (that team had two such streaks and an 8-game losing streak). However, after looking at the worst Septembers in San Francisco history, and after last night’s loss, the 2018 squad is now tied with the 1980 team with an 0-6 September start. A loss tonight sets a new mark.
It should be noted that after the 1980 team broke that 6-game losing streak to begin their September (a 6-3 win at Candlestick against the Expos), they went on another 6-game losing streak.
The 2018 team will try to snap their 6-game losing streak against the playoff bound Brewers, who will start Gio Gonzalez for the first time since acquiring him from the Nationals on 8/31.
Lineups:
Abiatal Avelino will make his MLB debut, becoming the first #SFGiants player I cover who is younger than me. pic.twitter.com/tjVcNpueQB
— Kerry Crowley (@KO_Crowley) September 8, 2018
Here’s the #Brewers lineup as we continue our series against the Giants. #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/CjaV55mNRc
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) September 8, 2018
Chris Stratton seeks his 10th win, which would make him the first 10-game winner on staff this season.
It’s curious that Gio Gonzalez hasn’t pitched for the Brewers until now, but that might have everything to do with his struggling season (4.24 FIP, 70 walks in 145.2 innings). The Brewers very likely worked with him to get him to a place where they thought he could pitch effectively. Per their SB Nation site (Brew Crew Ball):
Since joining the team, Gio has thrown a couple of bullpens while working with renowned pitching coach Derek Johnson. If ‘DJ’ could help Gonzalez make the mechanical adjustment that gets his curveball release point back on track, it could go a long way to increasing his effectiveness for the final month of 2018.
In six August starts, Gonzalez posted a 7.47 ERA, which didn’t fly nearly as high as hitters’ OPS against him (.933 in 31.1 innings pitched). He struck out 23 in those 31.1 innings but also had a WHIP of 1.83. This would, again, seem like a favorable matchup for the Giants, regardless of Gonzalez’s handedness, but as we saw last night with Chase Anderson, there are no more favorable matchups for this team.
This game might be simulcast on MLB Network in your area.